Great Dane Breeding Quality Standards

At Rare Earth Great Danes, breed quality is not a claim—it is a responsibility we cherish.

Every decision, from selecting breeding pairs to placing puppies, is made with long-term impact in mind. The goal is not simply to produce beautiful dogs, but to preserve and improve the Great Dane through thoughtful, ethical, and science-informed practices.

Great Dane, Stuart, wins Best of Breed award.

Preservation-Focused Breeding

At Rare Earth Danes, we are a preservation breeder committed to maintaining the integrity of the Great Dane as described in the breed standard.

We carefully plan each litter with attention to:

Temperament and stability
Structure and soundness
Health and longevity
Intelligence and working ability

We thoroughly research pedigrees, and each pairing is selected to complement strengths and improve weaknesses—always with the future of the breed in mind.

Health Testing and Transparency

Health testing is essential, not optional. We extensively health- and color-test all dogs before breeding. Our testing exceeds the recommendations established by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), and the Great Dane Club of America (GDCA).

Including:

OFA-recommended testing
Additional screening, such as elbows and cardiac Holter monitoring

Transparency matters. Our health testing results are publicly available through OFA, and we provide links on our website, giving full visibility into the health of each breeding dog.

Proven in Structure and Performance

Rare Earth Danes is an active show program. We evaluate dogs in real-world settings through participation in:

Conformation
Performance sports
Companion events

This ensures that breeding dogs are not only structurally correct but also mentally sound, trainable, and capable. The goal is a well-rounded Great Dane—one that can succeed in the ring, in sport, and at home.

A Thoughtful Placement Process

Every puppy represents years of planning and a lifelong commitment. We handle placement with the same level of care as breeding.

Rare Earth Danes seeks homes that:

Value health, structure, and temperament
Are committed to ongoing learning and responsible ownership
View their dog as both a companion and a long-term responsibility

Equally important is a willingness to stay connected.

Courtney remains invested in every dog she produces and values open communication throughout the dog’s life—especially regarding health, development, and overall well-being. This relationship is collaborative, built on shared respect and a common goal: giving each dog the best possible life.

Ethical Breeding Commitment

Rare Earth Danes upholds the highest standards of ethical breeding and professional accountability, including:

AKC Breeder of Merit
Participant in the AKC Breed with H.E.A.R.T. program
Member of the Great Dane Club of America (GDCA)
Good Dog Breeder
Breeder & Rescue Certified
Certified by the Better Breeder Institute (BBI)

Courtney is also actively involved in evaluation and education within the dog community:

AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator
AKC Temperament Test (ATT) Judge
AKC Fetch Judge

These roles reflect a deep commitment not only to breeding, but to the long-term success of dogs and their owners.

A Shared Commitment

Choosing a Rare Earth Dane means entering into a partnership.

This program is best suited for owners who appreciate thoughtful breeding, value expert guidance, and welcome an ongoing relationship centered on the dog’s health and success.

If that approach resonates with you, the next step is simple:

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